Do you have a simple DIY formula for making a simple NPK fertilizer for my garden?

April 20, 2023 Ask the Expert, Soils and Composting

Question:

Do you have a simple DIY formula for making a simple NPK fertilizer for my garden?

Answer:

Kate Garland, Horticulturist

Thank you for reaching out. I frequently help people figure out a good fertilizer blend for their home gardens, but always base it off a soil test from the Maine Soil Testing Service. A soil test will let you know what nutrients might be limiting factors in your site and offer suggestions for specific amendments so you can develop a fine-tuned amendment blend that is well-suited to your specific situation. It will also reveal whether there’s a need to adjust the soil pH, which can impact nutrient availability and whether there’s a need to add organic matter.

You can request a soil test kit online or at your local Extension office. The turnaround time is typically 2 weeks once the sample arrives at the lab, but that’s plenty of time to get the information you need before the growing season really begins. Here’s a video showing you how to take a sample and some great soil resources you may want to consider:

Feel free to reach out if you have questions after submitting a soil test report. Don’t guess, soil test!